Suicide a real threat in the lives of teenagers

Sunday

Jul 13, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Every year, teenagers commit suicide. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds; it is the second leading cause of death in college students and many others make unsuccessful attempts. Why, with their whole lives before them, would young people choose to die? There is no single answer, but there are signs you can watch for that may prevent someone you love from taking their life. First, some background about the teenage mindset.

Dr. David Schopick

Every year, teenagers commit suicide. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds; it is the second leading cause of death in college students and many others make unsuccessful attempts. Why, with their whole lives before them, would young people choose to die? There is no single answer, but there are signs you can watch for that may prevent someone you love from taking their life. First, some background about the teenage mindset.

Not the time of your life

Being a teenager is a highly emotional time. Bodies are changing and many teens have self-doubt about their appearance, their abilities, their attractiveness and their likability. Relationships are forming, both romantic and platonic, with all the associated anxieties; independence is being sought, yet parents are still needed. Peer pressure is enormous, and parental and teacher pressures may also weigh in. Teens are often under pressure to succeed — in school, sports, activities. There is pressure to conform, yet pressure to be unique. In a single week, teens can experience emotional highs and lows depending on how their social and scholastic lives are going. Add to this swirl of emotions the anxieties of a teen in trouble and you can have a volatile combination. Adolescence can be a wonderful time, but for many teens it is a period of heartache, confusion and loneliness. For those facing a parents' divorce, moving, a new school, family issues, grief, loss, bullying or other problems, life may seem too much to bear. Some teens try to bury their feelings with drugs, alcohol or both. Suicide is often linked to drug or alcohol abuse.

Many teens who die by suicide have had significant psychiatric problems, including depression, conduct disorders and substance abuse problems. Between one-quarter and one-third of teen suicides had made previous attempts. Many had also experienced life-changing events with which the teen could not cope.

The important thing to note is that it is vital to pay attention to how your teen is feeling. Ask questions, listen. Look for signs that they are under emotional duress.

Thoughts and actions to watch

If a teen expresses thoughts such as these, get help.

Hopelessness: feeling like things are bad and will not get better Fear of losing control, going crazy, harming oneself or others Helplessness: believing there is nothing to be done to make life better Self-hate, guilt or shame Extreme sadness or loneliness Anxiety or worry

Families, friends and teachers should also pay attention to these actions, which may indicate a teen in trouble:

Drug or alcohol abuse Talking or writing about death and destruction Aggression Recklessness

Teens in trouble may also make threats. These should not be taken idly, especially if they occur in conjunction with the other signs.

Statements like "How long does it take to bleed to death" or other remarks indicating a fascination with dying. Threats such as, "I won't be around much longer" or "You will be better off without me." Watch for signs that plans are being made — such as researching ways to die or obtaining the means to self-inflict injury or death. Suicide attempts. A teen who has tried once will often try again; it is essential that they receive help after the first attempt.

Most teens who commit suicide have exhibited personality changes of one kind or another. Changes to watch for include:

Personality: behaving like a different person, becoming withdrawn, feeling tired all the time, not caring about anything, or suddenly becoming more talkative or outgoing. Behavior: inability to concentrate Sleeping patterns may change so your teen is either sleeping all the time or is unable to sleep. Eating habits may alter, with a teen either losing their appetite or overeating. They may lose interest in friends, hobbies, their personal appearance. They may give away possessions, or offer advice on how to live life better. After a period of being withdrawn, they may suddenly improve — this can be a case of trying to put you off guard.

Teens may be put over the edge by recent losses of people they care about, whether to death or a broken relationship. They may have experienced changes in their life that they feel are overwhelming, such as a divorce or a move. Being exposed to the death of a peer, whether by suicide or other cause, is hard to deal with and can be cause for concern. When faced with these life-altering changes, teens may start getting into trouble at school, at home or with the law, and a downward spiral can start from there. If your teen has experienced any of these traumatic events, consider counseling, even if they seem fine.

Adolescence is a time for young people to try some independence, but it is also a time when they need parental support more than ever. Be sure your teen knows you are there for them; make time to talk and, most important, to listen. Pay attention to your teens' behavior and moods, lifestyle and friends. Keep the doors of communication open. These actions can help identify possible problems before they start.

Dr. David Schopick is a psychiatrist in private practice in Portsmouth. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in adult, adolescent and child psychiatry and has been serving patients in the Greater Seacoast and beyond for more than 22 years. For more information, call 431-5411 or visit www.schopickpsychiatry.com.

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